Emek proposes restructuring of media subsidies

The Federal Media Commission (Emek) recommends a new, technology-neutral funding system for private media in the position paper presented in Bern on Tuesday. This emerges from a recent SDA release. According to the paper, the dissemination of information should be supported regardless of the channel - newspaper, broadcasting, streaming or online.

Emek President Anna Jobin spoke to the media of a "suggestion to rethink media policy". Democracy-relevant information should be made accessible as widely as possible.

Digitalization does create new opportunities for journalism, Emek wrote in its paper. At the same time, the decline in journalistic performance and media diversity over the past 25 years is well documented empirically.

Outdated silo thinking

Today, the press receives indirect support in the form of reduced postal rates and reduced value-added tax. Private radio stations and private TV stations receive money from the reception fee. Online media receive nothing. This silo thinking is no longer appropriate, says the Emek in justifying its recommendation.

She envisions a new system based on three pillars: The first is measures to strengthen the entire industry. These include training and continuing education, the Press Council as a self-regulatory body, the collection of user data, infrastructures, a research fund and a national, independent news agency.

According to the Emek, tax reductions for the costs of journalistic production should also be examined. Research has shown that these have a greater effect as incentives for higher investment in journalism than the reduced VAT rate.

Ensure services in the long term

The second pillar of the support system would be technology-neutral support for private media to ensure important journalistic services in the long term. Such support - from the reception fee - exists today for private radio and TV programs, but not for print and online media.

Emek proposes to support private text, audio and video offerings aimed at the general public. Conceivable criteria for support would be performance mandates or the production and attention of an offering. Small providers should receive proportionally more money.

The third element would be support for projects by private providers. This could be start-up funding for a local start-up or financial assistance for innovation projects that benefit new and also existing media.

State-neutral promotion

In order to prevent political influence, the Emek insists on non-governmental funding. The funds should be allocated by a body that is as independent as possible, such as a foundation, an advisory board or a media regulatory authority that is independent of the state.

The Emek did not comment on the amount of the recommended subsidies. Setting subsidies is the task of politicians, she explained. If you want to use public money, you have to consider how to use it well, Jobin said.

Emek wants to retain the national public service that SRG currently provides. It is right that the scope of the service mandate and the necessary financing are discussed again and again, it notes.

Signatures are currently being collected for the popular initiative "200 francs are enough". This initiative calls for the reception fee to be reduced from the current 335 to 200 francs. Private households would have to pay this fee, but not companies. The petition was launched by the SVP, the trade association and the Young Free Alliance.

No to media subsidies

Just under a year ago, the people said no to expanded media subsidies. According to the opinion research institute gfs.bern, the independence of the media was a central argument of the opposition. A new attempt to implement non-controversial parts of the package failed in the National Council.

By recommending technology-neutral funding that could benefit all media companies, Emek wanted to take the No vote into account, said Emek member Colin Porlezza.